Nominations open today for the 2005 Enterprise 50 and e50.startup list

Nominations Open Today For The 2005 Enterprise 50 And e50.startup List

May 17, 2005

For eleven years now, the Enterprise 50 awards have been the definitive list of the fifty most enterprising, privately-held local companies in Singapore. Launched in 1995, it is organized by Accenture and The Business Times (BT), and supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore). The E50 is sponsored by DBS Bank.

Companies on the list are ranked based on weighted averages of selected performance indicators such as operating profit before tax, turnover and profit growth over the last three years.

To further the objectives of Enterprise 50 and to celebrate outstanding young enterprises in Singapore, the organisers had launched a sister listing, the e50.startup, in 2002.

The e50.startup award recognises young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated vision, commitment and true entrepreneurial spirit in contributing to Singapore's economy.

All winners will be honored during the gala dinner this November in recognition of their vision, entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence.

Mr. Seah Chin Siong, Country Managing Director of Accenture, said, "We are delighted that Enterprise 50 has been the definitive list of Singapore's most enterprising for more than a decade. The continued support and interest in the program shows the high regard the business community has for this list and its relevance. It is heartening to see that companies are still willing to come forward to benchmark themselves amongst their peers or improve on their rankings."

Mr. Alvin Tay, Editor of The Business Times, said, "The Business Times is privileged to be the co-organiser of this prestigious event, which is now into its 11th year. Since its inception in 1995, this annual ranking has helped to surface many previously unknown small-and-medium enterprises in Singapore. Many of them have since moved on to become listed companies on the local bourse. We're proud to be part of this process and we look forward to compiling this year's E50 and e50.startup lists.

Mr. Edwin Khoo, Managing Director & Head, Enterprise Banking, DBS Bank said "DBS continues to invest in the SME banking franchise. As we are committed to helping Singapore enterprises grow and expand, we also celebrate with them their successes. 2005 marks the third consecutive year of our sole sponsorship of the prestigious Enterprise 50 Award, and we are proud to have supported an increasing number of award winners year after year."

"A vibrant enterprise ecosystem not only strengthens our industry clusters but seeds the growth of new industries. EDB therefore fully supports the E50 and e50.startup Awards. These Awards recognise outstanding enterprises which also serve as role models to spur the whole ecosystem to greater heights of performance." said Mr. Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Economic Development Board.

Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Chief Executive Officer, IE Singapore, said, "To seek profitable growth, Singapore-based firms continue to venture into exciting and new markets. IE Singapore is proud to have partnered with many E50 companies in their process of internationalisation. We are confident that many of them will grow in size and sophistication to be our future Singapore multinational companies."

Some benefits of being on the E50 list cited by past winners include enhancements in their business image, development of strategic business relationships, and boost in staff morale. A large number of E50 companies use the ranking as a platform for public listing. E50 companies and e50.startups also benefit from publicity in the local media, with The Business Times running special supplements following the award ceremony.

E50 nomination forms are available at the E50 Secretariat (6410 8003), EDB, IE Singapore, The Business Times (Ms. Christine Ang at 6319 5119 or anglcc@sph.com.sg) and DBS Enterprise Banking (6878 8966). For more information visit www.enterprise50.org. Nominations close at 5pm on June 30, 2005.